Tips for writing through depression

Life often throws curves balls; it may come in the form of divorce, a recent family death or the loss of a close friend. Whatever the cause of your depression, here are a few tips that may help you stay focused on your writing no matter what adversity you are facing.

• Get some fresh air. Whenever I am feeling down, and don’t feel like writing I often go outside for awhile and just take some time to enjoy what the world has to offer. Take in that golden yellow sunset, or that milky colored moon. Walk around and let the breeze hit you to rejuvenate those creative juices.

• Surround yourself with loved ones. Surround yourself with people you love and people that love you. Enjoy some food, or a few drinks to get your mind off the things that are causing you stress, that way you can go back to the writing block with a new and improved attitude.

• Get to know yourself. If you are no longer feeling the passion for writing, do things that you love. For me it was reading more and listening to music that put me in a positive mindset. I also focused on what I wanted out of life and the direction I wanted to go in. With my new love for myself, I was able to realize that nothing made me happier than writing.

• Write. Write, even if you have nothing to say. Write about the meal you ate the other day, or what your plans are for the weekend. It may seem unimportant, but the mere act of writing your thoughts and emotions, even when you do not want to, can help out tremendously. Leave everything on the page and feel the stress lift off your shoulders.

• Realize the best is yet to come. The situation you are facing may be difficult, well, difficult may be an understatement, but realize there is hope beyond that feeling of emptiness. Time does heal all wounds and eventually everything becomes clear again.